The masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, in the Strand, 1776.
Six volumes. All first editions, with volume one in the first state with X4 and a4 as cancels and the errata uncorrected. 277 x 218mm. Uniformly bound in contemporary tan calf with gilt borders to cover and morocco title labels, raised bands to spine and gilt decoration to the spine. Frontispiece of the author after Joshua Reynolds (bound in vol. II along with table of contents for vol I, both as issued). Two folding maps to volume two, the second of which, "Parts of Asia and Europe adjacent to Constantinople" is bound untrimmed and folded (as issued and as opposed to being trimmed to the page size) and one to volume three. Joints and some head caps neatly repaired. Ownership inscription to half titles, occasional light foxing, but a generally fresh, well margined copy.
The most celebrated historical work in English literature, upon which the author's renown rests.
"This masterpiece of historical penetration and literary style has remained one of the ageless historical works Gibbon brought a width of vision and a critical mastery of the available sources which have not been equalled to this day; and the result was clothed in inimitable prose" (PMM)
Only 500 copies of the first state of vol 1 were printed. Gibbon himself wrote on publication, "The first impression was exhausted in a few days; a second and third edition were scarcely adequate to the demand, and the bookseller's property was twice invaded by the pyrates of Dublin. My book was on every table, and almost on every toilette."
Norton 20, 23, 29; PMM 222;
Stock ID: 39931
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